The Portsmouth Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America recently celebrated the achievements of upcoming young adults who are currently in JROTC as high school students, or those non-JROTC graduating seniors who have been accepted into an ROTC program in their college.

Cadet Shaniqua Walker at Lakeland High School and Cadet Pfc. Nathan White of Smithfield High School were among those honored.

The recipients of other awards include:

• Cadet SSGT Rachel Hayes, MOAA and MC-JROTC for “Demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in the JROTC program” and “Most accomplished marksman.” At the end of the ceremony Cadet SSGT Hayes was promoted to Cadet 2Lt.
• Cadet Allen Radtke, Order of the World Wars for “Sustained performance in academic and military studies in the JROTC program.”
• Cadet Tremayne Crawford, Veterans of Foreign Wars for “Individual characteristics contributing to leadership both in and out of uniform.”
• Cadet Nicholas Arrington, National Order of the Deadalian, for “Service to the nation above personal safety and position.”
• Cadet Roseanna Irwin, Woman Marines Association, for “Meritorious service to all aspects of the JROTC program and her school.”
• Cadet Avery Harrell, Reserve Officers Association and MC-JROTC, for “Inspirational leadership, discipline and unparalleled military bearing” and “Best Drill Cadet (Gold).”
• American Legion Post 310, Cadet Matthew Outten for “Aggregate 3.7 GPA” and Cadet Kyle O’Neil for “Exemplary performance in all areas of military skills and proficiency.”
• Cadet Timothy Fulmer, Sons of the American Revolution, for “Qualities of dependability, unquestioned character and military discipline.”
• Cadet Cierra Peterson, Daughters of the American Revolution, for “Qualities of dependability, unimpeachable character and bearing.”
• Cadet 2Lt Christopher Justice, Marine Corps Association and Foundation/MC-JROTC for “Cadet who most personifies all traits and principles Marines identify leaders by” and “Challenged himself to grow in leadership skills and abilities, so recognized by the rest of the cadre.”
• MC-JROTC Cadet Austin Masters, for “’Soft Spoken’ style of leadership” and Cadet Tyler Sipos for “Best Drill Cadet (Silver).”
• Cadet Asia Jones, MC-JROTC for “Best Drill Cadet (Bronze)”; and Scottish Rite of Free-masonry to Cadet Jones for “Consistent and superior leadership and exhibiting highest qualities of dependability, good character, self discipline, good citizenship and patriotism” and to Cadet Ethan Meanan for “Exemplary citizenship, leadership and demonstrated ideals of Americanism.”
• Cadet Preston Dorsey, Military Order of the Purple Heart, for “Stalwart dedication to unit, school and community.” Cadet Victoria Krol, American Veterans for “Demonstrated diligence in discharge of duties and positive attitude toward the JROTC program.”
• The organization also awarded two $1,500 scholarships, including to Bailey Key, an Isle of Wight Academy graduate. She will participate in ROTC at North Carolina State University.